Proposed changes to Jersey’s food law will make allergen labelling a legal requirement for the first time in a bid to close one of the most “high-profile gaps” in current allergy legislation.
Lodged by Environment Minister Steve Luce, the proposed new legislation aims to bring the island in line with UK and EU standards – with a focus on allergen safety, clearer labelling and modern hygiene rules.
If approved, the changes will take effect from 1 October 2026.
Deputy Luce said: “A clear and enforceable legal framework is needed to reflect the seriousness of the issue and to help prevent potentially life-threatening incidents.
“The goal is to make eating out safer and more inclusive, while ensuring that any new requirements are proportionate and workable for food businesses.
“Improving the provision of information to consumers about food allergens present in more food settings means they will have greater confidence and safety in the food they buy or consume.
“We should take proactive steps now to reduce the risk of a serious incident occurring in Jersey, rather than waiting for it to occur.”
Deputy Luce explained that one of the most “high-profile gaps” in Jersey’s current food legislation is the lack of direct legal provision for allergen labelling.
“Even trace amounts of allergens, such as a drop of milk, a fragment of peanut, or a few sesame seeds, can trigger reactions,” he said.
“For many families, especially those with children, the anxiety around allergens is constant and deeply felt.”
But under the new law, allergen information will have to be accurate, accessible and available before purchase – regardless of whether food is pre-packed, freshly prepared on-site, or sold online.
For cafés and restaurants, this means written allergen information must be available and up to date.
For items packed and sold on the same premises – such as boxed sandwiches – full ingredient lists with allergens highlighted will become mandatory, following the same approach as Natasha’s Law in the UK.
Jersey is not breaking new ground – we are catching up with best practice in neighbouring jurisdictions
Environment Minister Steve Luce
The Environment Minister said: “Given there is currently no cure for food allergies or coeliac disease, the only way to manage these conditions is strict avoidance of allergenic foods and the availability of emergency treatment for accidental exposure.
“This is why it is essential that the public have access to accurate information available to make informed choices of the foods they are buying and consuming.
“This makes it essential for food businesses to provide clear, accurate, and accessible information about allergenic ingredients.”
Deputy Luce emphasised that food activities that are “occasional, small-scale and very low risk” will not be subject to the new laws.
Events such as school fêtes, charity cake sales, home-cooked food for cultural celebrations, or colleagues bringing in treats will not require licensing or labelling, as long as the activity is not run as a business.
The Environment Minister concluded: “The UK and EU have had allergen labelling laws in place since 2014.
“Jersey is not breaking new ground – we are catching up with best practice in neighbouring jurisdictions.”